Main Course · Latin American · Lunch ·

Aromatic Venezuelan Reina Pepiada Arepa

Name: Aromatic Venezuelan Reina Pepiada Arepa
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups masarepa flour; 2 1/2 cups warm water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 boneless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt & pepper, to taste; 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, juiced; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced, (optional)

A Venezuelan classic featuring fragrant shredded chicken, creamy avocado, and bright herbs, encased in twice-cooked cornmeal arepas.

4.9(501 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 13, 2026

Aromatic Venezuelan Reina Pepiada Arepa — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Arepas

For the Chicken Filling

For the Avocado Dressing

For the Garnishes

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 552 kcal
Protein: 23 g
Carbs: 62.5 g
Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 9.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2207 kcal
Protein: 92 g
Carbs: 250 g
Fat: 96 g
Fiber: 37 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups masarepa flour	960	20	208	2	12
2 1/2 cups warm water	0	0	0	0	0
1/2 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
2 tablespoons vegetable oil	240	0	0	28	0
2 boneless chicken breasts	370	65	0	8	0
1 tablespoon olive oil	120	0	0	14	0
Salt & pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled	480	6	32	44	24
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped	1	0	0	0	0
1 lime, juiced	12	0	4	0	0
Salt & pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced	20	1	5	0	1
1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (optional)	4	0	1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Arepa Dough

1
Combine dry ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine masarepa flour and salt.
Tip: Pro Tip: Use masarepa flour for an authentic flavor and perfect texture.
2
Add water
Gradually add warm water, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
3
Knead and rest
Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until smooth and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Preparing the Chicken

1
Season the chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2
Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and cook until fully cooked.
Tip: Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. Pro Tip: Add a splash of chicken broth while cooking for added moisture and flavor.
3
Shred the chicken
Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.

How to Make Aromatic Venezuelan Reina Pepiada Arepa

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Shaping the Arepas
Divide the dough into equal portions and shape into discs. Press the center to flatten slightly.
2
Cooking the Arepas
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook arepas for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3
Second Bake for Arepas
Transfer to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.